I pray that you read the title correctly. It is a wood pile, not a wood shed. :-)
Those of us who live in places that enjoy a cold winter season know that wood can be your best friend. When temperatures drop and fuel costs rise, wood loaded into the firebox of a wood stove can make life toasty. The Farmer's Almanac says that we're supposed to have a cold, snowy winter this year. That means that wood will become an even closer friend in the coming months.
We've had three cords of wood delivered and about a half of a cord given to us. Most of it was dumped on a portion of our driveway and the rest in a spot across the street. The next order of business was to get it all properly stacked and covered before the snow flies. That takes a lot of time and physical labor. Today was the day.
Labor Day brought the opportunity with its holiday pace and cool breezes. So Curt and I worked side by side to accomplish the task. Along the way the Lord offered glimpses of His amazing providence. First, it was a wonderful opportunity to practice the working relationship the Lord has been building in us over the last 40 years. Lately I've been noticing how He's refining that gift and it was a joy to behold.
First, it was my responsibility to ask Curt how he wanted to pursue the project. It was an excellent analogy for our marriage. Since he's the head, his plan is the one I need to follow. He showed me the process he wanted to undertake and we began. It felt good to be part of an activity that was moving us forward in accomplishing a goal.
I picked up logs and did my best to figure out how they fit into the growing pile. There were big ones that set firmly and little ones that nestled into alcoves they created. It reminded me of 2 Corinthians 12 where Paul explains how God gives spiritual gifts. They're meant to fit together in his body the same way the various parts of our physical body fit together.
Curt decided it would be helpful if I built the towers that hold up the ends of the piles. He gave me the more squared-off logs to use. My favorite part of that assignment was that he trusted me to do it. Then he told me I did a good job as I finished each one. It was a glorious time of positive interaction. What a treat!
As we moved through the task it became clear to me that Curt was the better stacker. He had a way of choosing logs and fitting them together efficiently that I simply didn't. My forte seemed to be in creating open pathways for doing the job and clearing up the edges behind him. From time to time I would toss logs closer to Curt leaving the scraps at a distance. He made faster progress and I felt useful - a win, win combination.
There were a couple of times when I wasn't sure about what he was doing. It didn't seem to make sense. I chose to be quiet and wait to see how it turned out. I'm happy to say that in each case his idea turned out to be a clever one. Was I really that surprised? :-)
The project took a couple of hours or so. We became an increasingly effetive team as we communicated our feelings, desires, and goals. The wood got stacked, the driveway got cleared, and the winter fuel got stored. We stepped back to admire the finished product and I realized that the neat stacks of wood were only part of it. An afternoon spent expending our energy together and being able to see the results was almost overwhelming. I had the sense that God has orchestrated the day for just such a purpose.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Lifeguard Chairs and Grapevines
It's July and we're finally getting something like summer weather up here. The new picture on this page gives a hint of the glorious sunsets we expect to see across our beach in the coming weeks. I guess it's a good time to share one of my analogies. An analogy, according to my Merriam-Webster pocket dictionary, is "a likeness in one or more ways between things otherwise unlike." This analogy compares a lifeguard chair and the vine of John 15.
I'd been going through a stretching time and felt as if I could barely keep my head above water. I'm not sure if the process came in gradual stages or was an abrupt awakening, but one day I found myself resting and peaceful. The Holy Spirit had lifted my eyes above the waves and I was able to focus on the amazing grace and awesome promises of God. I felt a bit like Peter in Matthew 14 as he stepped out of the boat to meet His Lord that stormy night.
I knew that the waves of discord and distraction were still there, but I was able to look beyond them to the steady horizon that spoke of the faithfulness of my Father. His peace and power carried me above the confusion and agony. It wasn't as if the problems and struggles didn't exist. It was just that they didn't matter, had no sway over me, as I pondered the character of God and rested in His presence. I didn't want to ever sink below those waves again.
I figured that I'd be able to avoid following the rest of Peter's example where fear caused him to start to sink among the waves. I decided that I simply wouldn't let the wind scare me. My strategy to keep my heavenward focus was to climb up into a virtual lifeguard chair. That was the feeling I had and I thought it was pretty clever. After all, I'd be able to sit back and relax in a place that would automatically elevate my eyes above the waves. I could come right up out of the hot sand that wants to burn my feet, away from the difficulties of every day life. Now that would be grand!
I held onto that image for a while. I would concentrate on looking up to God whenever I caught sight of the waves or felt my feet beginning to feel warm. When I sensed the beginning of that internal pressure that leads to panic I would remind myself of how secure and peaceful I felt sitting in my lifeguard chair. The Holy Spirit took me back to the basic truths of the faith: God is love, 1 John 4:16; He chose me to be His own, Ephesians 1:11; He is all-powerful, Job 26:22; the struggle is spiritual not physical, Ephesians 6:12; and others. I would climb back up and rest in the lifeguard chair. Oh, it felt so good.
Then more time passed and life moved forward. As is wont to happen, the various forces of the fallen world, my weaknesses, the annoyer, and his minions played havoc all around me. The wind blew to ignite the embers of fear and I forgot my secure perch. After another round of treading water and gasping for breath, God reached out with His love-filled hand to tip my chin toward His face. He drew me to Himself by the power of His Holy Spirit and spoke softly.
Yes, Sandra, the lifeguard chair is one of my gifts to you. You need to be there not only for yourself but to minister my life-saving truths to others in deep water. Philippians 1:23,24 The problem is that you can't get there simply by calling up an image or conjuring up a feeling - not even with remembered Scripture. You need to seek me with your whole heart. You need to yield everything to me; every wish, every plan, every imagination, every affection . . . every thing. When you do I will be found by you, and I will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:13
I am still imperfect and I still live in a fallen world where God's and my enemy prowls as a roaring lion. I don't expect the waves or the wind to become smooth or painless. I don't expect to understand nor enjoy every detail of the refining process as it unfolds. What I do expect is for my Omnipotent Sovereign to expand this heavenly glimpse into my life according to His perfect providence. I expect my Loving Father to keep His promise from Romans 8:30 to prepare me fully for eternity with Him. I foresee relaxing more often in His lifeguard chair as I remain more fully in the True Vine.
May God grant each of you the glimpse you need to have in your own walk with Him.
I'd been going through a stretching time and felt as if I could barely keep my head above water. I'm not sure if the process came in gradual stages or was an abrupt awakening, but one day I found myself resting and peaceful. The Holy Spirit had lifted my eyes above the waves and I was able to focus on the amazing grace and awesome promises of God. I felt a bit like Peter in Matthew 14 as he stepped out of the boat to meet His Lord that stormy night.
I knew that the waves of discord and distraction were still there, but I was able to look beyond them to the steady horizon that spoke of the faithfulness of my Father. His peace and power carried me above the confusion and agony. It wasn't as if the problems and struggles didn't exist. It was just that they didn't matter, had no sway over me, as I pondered the character of God and rested in His presence. I didn't want to ever sink below those waves again.
I figured that I'd be able to avoid following the rest of Peter's example where fear caused him to start to sink among the waves. I decided that I simply wouldn't let the wind scare me. My strategy to keep my heavenward focus was to climb up into a virtual lifeguard chair. That was the feeling I had and I thought it was pretty clever. After all, I'd be able to sit back and relax in a place that would automatically elevate my eyes above the waves. I could come right up out of the hot sand that wants to burn my feet, away from the difficulties of every day life. Now that would be grand!
I held onto that image for a while. I would concentrate on looking up to God whenever I caught sight of the waves or felt my feet beginning to feel warm. When I sensed the beginning of that internal pressure that leads to panic I would remind myself of how secure and peaceful I felt sitting in my lifeguard chair. The Holy Spirit took me back to the basic truths of the faith: God is love, 1 John 4:16; He chose me to be His own, Ephesians 1:11; He is all-powerful, Job 26:22; the struggle is spiritual not physical, Ephesians 6:12; and others. I would climb back up and rest in the lifeguard chair. Oh, it felt so good.
Then more time passed and life moved forward. As is wont to happen, the various forces of the fallen world, my weaknesses, the annoyer, and his minions played havoc all around me. The wind blew to ignite the embers of fear and I forgot my secure perch. After another round of treading water and gasping for breath, God reached out with His love-filled hand to tip my chin toward His face. He drew me to Himself by the power of His Holy Spirit and spoke softly.
Yes, Sandra, the lifeguard chair is one of my gifts to you. You need to be there not only for yourself but to minister my life-saving truths to others in deep water. Philippians 1:23,24 The problem is that you can't get there simply by calling up an image or conjuring up a feeling - not even with remembered Scripture. You need to seek me with your whole heart. You need to yield everything to me; every wish, every plan, every imagination, every affection . . . every thing. When you do I will be found by you, and I will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:13
I am still imperfect and I still live in a fallen world where God's and my enemy prowls as a roaring lion. I don't expect the waves or the wind to become smooth or painless. I don't expect to understand nor enjoy every detail of the refining process as it unfolds. What I do expect is for my Omnipotent Sovereign to expand this heavenly glimpse into my life according to His perfect providence. I expect my Loving Father to keep His promise from Romans 8:30 to prepare me fully for eternity with Him. I foresee relaxing more often in His lifeguard chair as I remain more fully in the True Vine.
May God grant each of you the glimpse you need to have in your own walk with Him.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Jigsaw Puzzles and God's Providence
Hurrah, it’s June and the temperatures are finally beginning to rise. We’re still experiencing the wind that blows in the spring until the earth and air both warm up to summertime levels. Who cares? At least the snow is gone.
I’m in the midst of a busy phase. God has arranged a travel schedule that reminds me of the old days and there are a number of special events as well, such as Caroline’s ballet recital. (She was the best ballerina in the whole show.) J With so much going on, God’s lessons concerning His Providence have been coming in handy. Every time I stop to consider the way the Lord has blessed me through His sovereignty, I receive an image of a jigsaw puzzle.
I’m an avid puzzler though I don’t always have time to enjoy this hobby. There’s something that draws me to the activity of matching the “innies” and “outies” of each piece according to color, shape and size. Whenever I make a fit I do a minor victory dance in my head. As I see the overall picture developing fresh bursts of enthusiasm flow through me to fill in another area. In the end I tend to leave my finished puzzles on the table for a few days as I marvel at the finished task. It’s a joyful form of recreation for me.
In a way, I think we could consider God to be the Master Puzzler. His hand is in the process of putting together the pieces of His Masterwork. He knows the picture that’s on the box, so to speak, and is coordinating every detail to assure its completion. Romans 8:28-30 He developed His plan for the process before there was time or space and gave a hint of it to Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:15 He went about fitting the pieces together throughout the Old Testament and across the 400 years of intertestamental silence. He revealed more of His plan through the coming of His Son in the New Testament. 2 Timothy 1:8-10 There is no doubt that God will see the process through to the end. Philippians 1:6
Thinking of God’s providence in this way gives peace and comfort. There’s no need to worry about what’s going to happen next. God has a detailed plan and He is fitting the pieces of it together. Each shape will connect perfectly with the ones around it to form the proper image. The position of each piece benefits those adjacent to it and enhances the process and outcome at the same time. Jeremiah 29:11 We can rest in our relationship with God through Christ, knowing that His sovereignty operates in concert with His great love for us. John 15
What glory and honor, wonder and praise to be part of our Father’s heavenly Masterpiece. Amen
Monday, May 5, 2008
Not Enough Hours in the Day
I got back from two busy weeks in Hungary and Bosnia. I had just over two weeks to complete the follow-up to that trip as well as the preparations for ten days in Norway. I wasn't sure how I could get it all done. I started that old refrain, "There just aren't enough hours in the day." I caught myself repeating those words before my heavenly Father and felt the Holy Spirit's tempering presence. What was I really saying?
Are the 24 hours God built into creation and therefore my existence insufficient?
No, Father, I know better than that. Nothing you give is insufficient.
Isaiah 58:11 says, "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame."
Philippians 4:19 tells me "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." If I needed more than 24 hours, Father God would give them to me.
Since 24 hours is what God gives each day, I must conclude that they are sufficient. I'm drawn on in my quest for understanding.
I notice that my days are pretty hectic a lot of the time. They don't seem to reflect the kinds of days that Jesus lived nor the kind that I read about throughout Scripture as a holy life. God gave His Son roughly 33 years on this earth and only about three of them were spent in direct ministry. I don't get the sense that Jesus was falling asleep each night worrying about what He didn't get done that day and trying to figure out how to fit more into the next one. Yet Jesus' final words report that He'd accomplished everything His Father sent Him to do. "It is finished." John 19:30 So what's wrong with my picture?
How do I get into this frenetic pace?
Father, since the 24 hours You give me each day are sufficient for what you've sent me to do, I must be confused about what you expect.
Now I have to tell you that's a shocking consideration. I spend a fair amount of time and energy figuring out what to put on my To Do List that will be pleasing to my Father. I have no doubt that the things I undertake are worthy of my attention in that light. I mean, after all, I've honed this skill over almost 40 years of being in His Son. :-)
Micah 6:8 instructs, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Ephesians 2:10 informs, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
John 15:1-8 explains the vine and the branches connection we are to have with God through Christ. The fruit of "good works" is the natural outgrowth of "remaining" in Him.
There are lots and lots and lots of meaningful and wonderful activities to undertake and services to perform in our Savior's Name. All of my days could be filled from morning to night and beyond with good-looking and productive ministry. If it's not the amount of time, maybe what I need to do is look at whether or not they are what my Father has given me to do.
Not by accident, the Holy Spirit arranged for me to be led to Luke 10:38-42 this week. It's not the first time He's highlighted this passage for me and I sense it will not be the last. I recognized that I was being challenged in my Martha life, "worried and upset about many things." I appreciated the reminder that Mary, who "sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said" was the one who had "chosen what is better." BUT His Sweet Spirit revealed to me, in the midst of this very personal quest, that Mary's choice, sitting at the feet of her Savior and listening to what her Master said is the "only one thing that is needed."
The only one thing I need to do as far as my Father is concerned is to sit at the feet of His Son, the One who secured the access I have to Him, and listen to what He says. Sit and Listen, that's it. I have to confess that it's overwhelming for a dyed-in-the-wool Martha to take in that profound Truth. ONLY ONE THING IS NEEDED, TO SIT AND LISTEN TO JESUS.
I want to let you know that the process of this awareness has been slowly creeping over me. The last few months God has been blessing me in the times of daily reading and meditating and praying He's been giving me. It has called for the self-discipline He's granted me through His Spirit as explained in 2 Timothy 1:7, but it's really been the result of His grace. This latest glimpse is life-changing, but in many ways is a piece of the growth I praise Him for nurturing in me. By His grace I am becoming aware of the truth of Acts 17:28, "For in him [God] we live and move and have our being."
Of course, I know there's a long way for this old Martha to go before she feels comfortable in a Mary-type role. There have been a lot of years spent in that list-making mode. Actually, I trust my Father to use the gifts He's given me in those areas for His purposes as He moves me along His rehabilitation program. We do need to "act justly" and be about those "good works" He's got for me to do. He's already made some pretty amazing progress and I give testimony to it as the evidence of the Creator's infinite love for this undeserving creature. More and more I come to understand that each minute, each hour, each day is under His sovereign hand and as we sit and listen we will be able to see His completed providence in each of those frames.
Today I am praising our God for the intellectual, spiritual, personal, and experiential Truth of 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Oh Father, please allow me to continue on with Paul, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
May God show His all-sufficient grace to you in the busy-ness of your life. Amen
Are the 24 hours God built into creation and therefore my existence insufficient?
No, Father, I know better than that. Nothing you give is insufficient.
Isaiah 58:11 says, "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame."
Philippians 4:19 tells me "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." If I needed more than 24 hours, Father God would give them to me.
Since 24 hours is what God gives each day, I must conclude that they are sufficient. I'm drawn on in my quest for understanding.
I notice that my days are pretty hectic a lot of the time. They don't seem to reflect the kinds of days that Jesus lived nor the kind that I read about throughout Scripture as a holy life. God gave His Son roughly 33 years on this earth and only about three of them were spent in direct ministry. I don't get the sense that Jesus was falling asleep each night worrying about what He didn't get done that day and trying to figure out how to fit more into the next one. Yet Jesus' final words report that He'd accomplished everything His Father sent Him to do. "It is finished." John 19:30 So what's wrong with my picture?
How do I get into this frenetic pace?
Father, since the 24 hours You give me each day are sufficient for what you've sent me to do, I must be confused about what you expect.
Now I have to tell you that's a shocking consideration. I spend a fair amount of time and energy figuring out what to put on my To Do List that will be pleasing to my Father. I have no doubt that the things I undertake are worthy of my attention in that light. I mean, after all, I've honed this skill over almost 40 years of being in His Son. :-)
Micah 6:8 instructs, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Ephesians 2:10 informs, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
John 15:1-8 explains the vine and the branches connection we are to have with God through Christ. The fruit of "good works" is the natural outgrowth of "remaining" in Him.
There are lots and lots and lots of meaningful and wonderful activities to undertake and services to perform in our Savior's Name. All of my days could be filled from morning to night and beyond with good-looking and productive ministry. If it's not the amount of time, maybe what I need to do is look at whether or not they are what my Father has given me to do.
Not by accident, the Holy Spirit arranged for me to be led to Luke 10:38-42 this week. It's not the first time He's highlighted this passage for me and I sense it will not be the last. I recognized that I was being challenged in my Martha life, "worried and upset about many things." I appreciated the reminder that Mary, who "sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said" was the one who had "chosen what is better." BUT His Sweet Spirit revealed to me, in the midst of this very personal quest, that Mary's choice, sitting at the feet of her Savior and listening to what her Master said is the "only one thing that is needed."
The only one thing I need to do as far as my Father is concerned is to sit at the feet of His Son, the One who secured the access I have to Him, and listen to what He says. Sit and Listen, that's it. I have to confess that it's overwhelming for a dyed-in-the-wool Martha to take in that profound Truth. ONLY ONE THING IS NEEDED, TO SIT AND LISTEN TO JESUS.
I want to let you know that the process of this awareness has been slowly creeping over me. The last few months God has been blessing me in the times of daily reading and meditating and praying He's been giving me. It has called for the self-discipline He's granted me through His Spirit as explained in 2 Timothy 1:7, but it's really been the result of His grace. This latest glimpse is life-changing, but in many ways is a piece of the growth I praise Him for nurturing in me. By His grace I am becoming aware of the truth of Acts 17:28, "For in him [God] we live and move and have our being."
Of course, I know there's a long way for this old Martha to go before she feels comfortable in a Mary-type role. There have been a lot of years spent in that list-making mode. Actually, I trust my Father to use the gifts He's given me in those areas for His purposes as He moves me along His rehabilitation program. We do need to "act justly" and be about those "good works" He's got for me to do. He's already made some pretty amazing progress and I give testimony to it as the evidence of the Creator's infinite love for this undeserving creature. More and more I come to understand that each minute, each hour, each day is under His sovereign hand and as we sit and listen we will be able to see His completed providence in each of those frames.
Today I am praising our God for the intellectual, spiritual, personal, and experiential Truth of 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Oh Father, please allow me to continue on with Paul, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
May God show His all-sufficient grace to you in the busy-ness of your life. Amen
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